Distributor valve



Dec. 23, 1947. I J, Q EVANS 2,433,208

` DISTRIBUTOR VALVE Filed Jan. so, 194s Patented Dec. 23, 1947 UNITED STATES .PATENTv OFFICE 2,433,208 DISTRIBUTOR VALVE Jeremiah C. Evans, Detroit, Mich.

Application January 30,v 1946, Serial No. 644,211

14 Claims.

1 The invention vrelates broadly to `new and useful improvements in fuel distributor valves of the type commonly employed on internal combustion engines for admitting charges of fuel successively to a plurality of cylinders.

In conventional .distributor valves, trouble frequently is caused by small particles of `dirt which are carried into the -valve chamber with the fuel. The dirt works between the rotor andits seat scoring the mating surfaces andeventually causing leakage of Vfuel therebetween. This condition exists regardless of the type of fuel in the valve, vbut is Vmost pronounced in the .case of gasoline `or other fuel having low oiliness properties.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a `fuel distributing valve in which the fuel is vcirculated in such a way that it tends to lave o11 carry dirt particles away from the valve seat. i

Another object yof the invention is to provide a fuel distributing valve in which flow of fuel into the valve chamber :and centrifugal force due to rotation of the rotor induce circulation of the fuel.

Still another object vof the invention is to provide a fuel distributor valve in which the drive shaft for `the rotor `extends into the housing through the valve seat Aand substantially concentrically of the fuel outlets so that engagement of the rotor with its seat seals the :drive shaft as well as the outlets.

Still another `object tof the invention is to provide a -fuel distributor valve in which fuel in the `valve chamber imposes hydrostatic pressure against the rotor, which pressure assists in holding the latter solidly against its seat.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the drawings forming a `part of this speciiication and wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through a distributor valve embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary, `transverse sectional View taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. l;

Fig. .3 is a fragrnentary, transverse sectional view 'taken on the line 3-3 .of Fig. l; and

Fig. i is a `modified form `of the invention.

Considered in certain .of its broader aspects, the invention comprises a `housing having a fuel chamber in which is mounted a driven fuel distributing rotor. One wall of lthe chamber is formed Yto provide a flat valve seat, and the rotor 'iis 'pressed solidly against the seat by a .suitably shown a preferred embodiment thereof.

mounted spring. Fuel is introduced into the chamber through an inlet located at one side of the valve seat and is discharged therefrom through a plurality `of outlets Ywhich open onto the valve seat. The outlets are arranged concentrcally on Vthe seat, and fuel is supplied thereto through a passage in the rotor which registers successively therewith..

The chamber is relatively large, and hydrostatic pressure of fuel assists the spring in holding the rotor solidly against the seat. This concept is efficacious and, to my knowledge, broadly new. y

According to the present invention the rotor is also provided with a radial slot which opens against the valve seat :and extends between the fuel supply passageand the periphery of the rotor. This slot sweeps around the marginal portion of the seat during-rotation lof the rotor; and, as a result, `dirt particles which are carried into the fuel chamber and which `otherwise might work between the-valve and its Aseat are thrown outwardly through the slot 4by centrifugal force.

In addition to the above, the arrangement is such that .during operation `of the valve `fuel is constantly circulated into the fuel supply passage and vout through the slot. Circulation of the fuel as described above is induced `partly by centrifugal .action due to rotation of the vdistributor' rotor and part-ly by flow of fuel into the valve chamber. It will be readily apparent that .since the inlet is located at one side of the valve seat, the fuel flows across the slot and assists centrifugal force in causing circulation `of the fluid. The continuous circulation of the fuel carries dirt particles out into the chamber and prevents them from lodging between the rotor and -its seat. Moreover, as the fuel flows outwardly through the slot, it washes across the marginal surface of the seat and thus tends to dislodge any dirt particles that adhere thereto. j

Another feature of the 'invention resides in the manner in which the rotor -s driven. The drive shaft extends centrally through the valve seat and into interlocking `engagement with the rotor. As a result of this arrangement engagement `of the rotor with its seat not only seals the fuel -outlets, but also the ,drive 'shaf-t.

For a more detailed description of the invention reference is had to 'the accompanying drawing wherein, for the "purpose of illustration, is The valvebody comprises an open-ended, cylindrical `casing I0 which 'is-closed by a Vrelatively thick base :plate |12..` lBothzthe Gasingrandthebase oref- Ylarger chamber 34 through holes 3B.

four such passages are shown.

erably-are formed of cast iron. As shown in Fig. 1, the casing IU is formed at its open end with an outwardly extending radial flange I4 which flatly engages the base I2. Cap screws I6, which extend through the flange and into internally threaded holes provided in the base, draw the two parts tightly together to provide a uid-tight joint therebetween. Formed centrally on the inner surface of base I2 is a boss I 8. The latter projects into the casing I and has a flat top surface 20 which forms a seat for the disk-shaped rotor 22. Disposed behind and spaced from the rotor 22 is a spring mounting 24 which is supported centrally thereof by a pivot 26 on the end of casing I0. Confined between the rotor 22 and the mounting 24 is a compression spring 28 which presses the former solidly against its seat. The rotor 22 is adapted to be driven at relatively high speeds, and the pivot 26 permits mounting 24 and spring '28 to rotate easily in unison with the rotor. Formed integrallyon the side wall of casing I0 is an inwardly extending annular flange 30 which snugly fits the periphery of rotor 22 and holds it against lateral movement on the seat 20. Flange 30 also partitions the casing to provide separate chambers 32 and 34. The chamber 32 below the ilange is annular in' shape and surrounds the boss I8 and the lower peripheral portion of the rotor 22, while the chamber 34 is relatively larger and contains the upper portion of the rotor, the mounting 24, and the spring 28. Intercommunication between the two chambers is provided by an annular series of holes 36 in the flange 30.

Y Fuel under pressure is introduced into the annular chamber 32 through an inlet passage 38 provided in the base I2 at one side of the rotor 22, and from chamber 3'2 the fuel passes into the As suggested, it is one feature of this invention that hydrostatic pressure of the fuel in chamber 34 against the top surface of rotor 22 assists the spring 28 in holding the latter solidly against the seat 2U. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, an effective seal must be maintained at all times between the rotor and its seat if it is to function in the intended manner to control the ilow of fuel to the combustion cylinders.

Fuel is discharged from the chamber 34 througha plurality of outlet passages 40 in the base I2. One passage is provided for each cylinder supplied by the valve, and, in the drawings, At their inner ends the discharge passages 40 open through the seat 2U and against the confronting surface of rotor 22, and at their outer ends the passages open through the edge of base I2. As shown in Fig. 3, the inner ends of the passages 40 are arranged concentrically and in equispaced relation on the seat 20.

The flow of fuel from chamber 34 into the discharge passages 40 is controlled by the rotor '22. Extending longitudinally through the latter and positioned to register successively with the -lnlet ends of passages 40 during rotation of the rotor is a fuel supply passage 42. This construction is clearly shown in Fig. 1, and it will be observed that the fuel supply passage 42 aligns with the discharge passages 40 so that it, in effect, forms a continuation of the latter and provides direct flow of fuel therein.

As suggested, minute amounts of metal filings, rust, dirt and the like are carried into the valve chamber by the fuel. These foreign particles gradually nd their way into the fuel supply passage 42 and frequently work their way between the seat 28 and rotor 22. When this occurs the particles score the mating surfaces and destroy the seal therebetween. Since the above condition is perhaps the most common cause of mechanical failure in distributor valves, any construction which prevents or substantially inhibits its occurrence is a valuable contribution to the art.

According to the present invention any foreign particles which enter the fuel supply passage 42 are thrown outwardly through a radial slot 44 in rotor 22 by centrifugal force which is generated when the latter rotates. As best shown in Fig. 1, the slot 44 opens through the bottom surface of rotor 22 and against the seat 2i). At its inner end the slot 44 communicates with the fuel supply passage 42, and at its outer end the passage opens through the periphery of the rotor. Since the rotor 22 is continuously rotated at high speed during operation of the valve, and since the particles, although small, have definite mass and weight, the particles are affected by centrifugal force and thrown outwardly through the radial slot 44. In practice, the slot 44 has been found to be eicacious in preventing dirt particles from gaining access between the rotor and its seat.

The efficacy of Centrifugal action in preventing dirt from working into the joint between the rotor and seat is enhanced by constant circulation of fuel through holes 36, fuel supply passage 42, and slot 44 during rotation of rotor 22. This action is indicated by arrows in Fig. 1. It will be observed that the fuel constantly enters fuel supply passage 42 and discharges outwardly through slot 44 whereby t0 lave or carry away foreign particles which otherwise might lodge on the seat 20. Moreover, since the slot 44 sweeps continuously across the marginal surface of the seat 20 during rotation of the rotor 22, the circulating fuel constantly washes or scrubs the portion of the seat on which dirt particles tend to lodge. Of course, when the fuel supply passage 42 moves into register with one of the discharge passages 40, circulation is momentarily stopped, or at least retarded, due to direct flow of fuel into the outlet, but fuel immediately begins to circulate again as soon as the fuel supply passage moves out of register with the discharge passage. Circulation of the fuel in the above manner is caused partly by centrifugal action due to rotation of rotor 22 which tends to throw the fuel out through slot 44 and partly to the forced flow of the fuel through chamber 32 and across the discharge orifices of the slot 44.

When the fuel being pumped is oil or other fluid having substantial lubricity, the rotor 22 may be formed of a suitable metal such as bronze or steel, and metal rotors preferably are driven as shown in Fig. l. A drive shaft 4B is mounted for rotation in a bore 48 provided axially in the base I2. The bore 48 opens onto the seat I2 and is disposed substantially concentrically with respect to the discharge passages 48. At its inner end the drive shaft 46 is formed with a longitudinal tongue 50 which projects from the bore 48l and into a correspondingly shaped socket or groove 52 in the bottom surface of rotor 22. Drive shaft 4S preferably is also made of metal, and the tongue 5U and socket 52 provide an interlocking driving connection between the shaft and the rotor.

The manner in which drive shaft 46 is mounted in the valve body and associated with the rotor 22 is another feature of the invention.

Fuel in the valve body is maintained under rela tively high pressure, and the problem :of main-- taining a Vfluid-ti'gllt fseal around the shaft which drives 'the rotor is :a very rea-1' one. .In the fin 'stant arrangement engage-ment of rotor T21 with its vseat '2in seals not only the discharge passage 40, but also the drive sli-'aft 46.

The form of the invention shown 'in Fig. 4 is identical to fone 'hereinabove described, ex- -c'ept that the supporting flange 3u is eliminated and the rotor 2-2 is positioned by the drive shaft 46 which extends above the seat 20 and into fan lalignfinen't bore *54 .provided Vcentrally the rotor. The fdr-ive shaft i6 iis `identical to the one hereinabove described., and the tongue l'.ill'iii'ts into :and .interlocks a .slot 15.6 `in the end ci" 'a :stub 'shaft '5t :isamounted 'in bore '54. The `stub 'shaft isixed'ly .attached .to the rotor 112 by a transverse 'pin lill which .has radially projecting terminal portions embedded the rotor 22.

When the fuel being pumped gasoline o1' other fluid having but slight lubricity, the :rotor .2:2 preferably is 'made of graphite .or carbon similar Ato the brushes conventionally lus'e'd in efectric moto1's;:ar1d the I'nodiiied` form .of the -invention fsh'own in Fig. l is preeeminently suited for this construction. lf the rotor .222 tis made :of graphite or carbon, 'then 'it may be undesirable, in :some 'ca'ses 'at least, for the 'drive shaft-456 .to be vassociated therewith in the" manner shown in Fig. 1, I`since the former may lbe too triable fragile. However, when :shaft rlll isV connected to the rotor 22`as `"shown in Fig. 4, the latter Sis driven primarily by the projecting portions .of pin 58. Since they have greater bearing surface than the tongue-and-greove construction :shown Fig. the stresses are distributed more `uniformly through the rotor., 'and there .is'less-ilikeli' `hood of .the shaft twisting free of the rotor.

lt is to be understood ith-at tlie `iforn'is 'of `the invention herewith lshown and described fare to be taken :as preferred Aexamples of the same and that various changes in the size, shape, :and ai rangement of parts may be resorte-d to without departing from the :spirit fof Vthe invention Vor 'the :scope -of the appended claims.

lHaving thus described the invention, 'l

l. :In 'a distributor valve, `ahousing hai/ g -a chamber provided with :a 'hat vallve seat, "a fuel inlet opening into said chamber, and 4apli-1rality f fof fuel outlets extending Vfrom lsaiifd chamber iand opening onto said seat; and fa rotatably driven distributor rotor mounted on the valve seat, said rotor having ta radial distributing rslot which opens through the side 4of the rotor and -commun'ic'at'es 'successiv'elv at a point 'radially inwardly from the periphery `of 'the rotor with-the fuel outlets .duringlrotation of the rotor.

2; vA distributor valve comprising 'a housing having la chamber lprovided with fafla't valve seat, Ia "fuel inlet opening into fsa'id chamber at eene side of the valve seat, fand -a plurality of fuel outlets extending from fsaid chamber and Iopen ing on'to Vsaid seat; -a distributor rotor mounted for rotation on the valve seat, said 4rotcrha-vin'g a radial distributing 'slo't which opens 'through the `side off the rotor and communicates 'successively at a point radially inwardly from the periphery of the rotor with the ffuelloutlet -vduring rotation of the rotor; 'and 'a drive fshait extending through the bot'torn o'f the housing land-havving a driving connection with said rotor.

I3. A distributor valve comprising va housing having a lchamber provided with-a la't valverseat, a fuel inlet opening into `said chamber zat )one fao side of the 'valve seat, and a plurality of fuel-outlets r'extending from said chamber and vopening onto `said seats.; a distributor rotor mounted for rotation on the valve seat, .said rotor having a central opening therein opening onto that face thereof .in 1'contact with said seat and sealed at its opposite end, said opening being at least in part of non-circular cross section, and a radial 'distributing slot which opens through the `side of the rotor :and communicates successively with the fuel outlets inwardly from the periphery of the rotor during rotation of the latter; and a drive :shaft extending through the bottom Wall of the .housing .and provided with a `driving portion complementary `in vshape to the nonclrcular opening in said rotor and received therein for :establishing 'a driving connection with the rotor.

:A distributor valve comprising a housing hat/ing a chamber provided with alat valve seat, ia l-fuel Vinlet opening into said chamber at one Vside 'of the valve seat, and a plurality of fuel outlets extending from `said chamber and opening onto said seat; a distributor rotor mounted for rotation on the valve seat, said rotor having a central opening `therein opening `onto that face 'thereof :in Icontact with lsaid seat and sealed at @its opposite fend, said lopening being at least in part fof noncircular `cross section, and a radial distributing slot which opens through the side of the :rotor and communicates successively with the fuel outlets inwardly from the periphery of the rotor during rotation of the latter; a stub shaft mounted axially in the rotor and having `radial arms embedded therein; and a drive shaft extending through the bottom of the housing and havingta driving portion vcon'iplementary in shape tothe noncircular `opening in said rotor and received therein ffora driving connection with said :stub shaft.

5. A distributor valve `comprising a housing having achamberprovided with a flat valve seat, a fuel inlet opening into -said chamber at one side of the valve seat, and `aplurality of fuel outlets yextending from said chamber and opening onto said seat; a distributor rotor mounted for rotation .on the valve seat, rsaid rotor having ,a radial distributing slot which opens through the side -of the rotor andcommuncates successively at a :pointlrfadfially inwardly from the Iperiphery of :the lrotor with the fuel outlets during rotation -of `the rotor; a vstub shaft `mounted centrally in the rotor :andhaving radial arms embedded therein; a drive `extend-ing vthrough the bottom of the `housing.; andinterlocking'means connecting said drive 'and .stub shafts whereby to establish a driving `'corinection therebetween.

f6, A distributor' valve comprising a housing having a 'chamber provided with a flat valve seat, affuel 'inlet opening 'into said chamber at one side -of the lvalve seat, and a plurality of fuel outlets extending from said chamber and opening onto said, seat; a rotatably driven distributor rotor mounted -on 'the valve seat and normally sealing the last-mentioned ends of the fuel outlets, said rotor liaving 'a radial 'distributing slot which opens through the sideof the rotor and communicates successively at a point radially inwardly l-romtheperiphery of the rotor with the fuel outll'ets during rotation of the roto-r; and a fuel supply passage Which opens into the last-mentioned l-end of the distributing slot, whereby centrifugal action due to rotation `of the rotor maintains a constant circulation of fuel into said fuel supply :passage and out through said distributing slot.

y '7. distributor `valve comprising a vhousing having a, chamber provided with a fiat valve seat, a fuel inlet opening int-o said chamber at one side of the valve seat, and a plurality of fuel outlets extending from said chamber and opening onto said seat; a rotatably driven distributor rotor mounted on the valve seat and normally sealing the last-mentioned ends of the fuel outlets, said rotor having a radial distributing slot which opens through the side of the rotor and communicates successively at a point radially inwardly from the periphery of the rotor with the fuel outlets during rotation of the rotor, and a fuel supply passage which opens into the last-mentioned end of the distributing slot, the arrangement being such that fuel under pressure in said chamber applies hydrostatic pressure against the rotor to force it solidly against the valve seat and that centrifugal force due to rotation of the rotor causes a constant circulation of fuel into said supply passage and out through said distributing slot whereby to carry away from the valve seat particles introduced into the housing with the fuel.

8. A distributor valve comprising a housing having a chamber provided with a flat valve seat, a fuel inlet opening into said chamber at one side of the valve seat, and a plurality of fuel outlets extending from said chamber and opening onto said seat; a rotatably driven distributor rotor mounted on the valve seat, said rotor having a radial distributing slot which opens through the side of the rotor and communicates successively at a point radially inwardly from the periphery of the rotor with the fuel outlets during rotation of the rotory and a fuel supply passage which opens into the last-mentioned end of the distributing slot; a rockable member behind said rotor; and a spring means confined between the member and the rotor for holding the latter solidly against said seat.

9. A distributor valve comprising a housing having a flat valve seat, and intercommunicating chambers, one of said chambers being annular in shape and disposed around the valve seat and the other of said chambers disposed above said valve seat, a fuel inlet opening into said annular chamber, and a plurality of fuel outlets opening through and extending from said valve seat; and a rotatably driven distributor rotor mounted on the valve seat and adapted to seal the last-mentioned ends of the fuel outlets, said rotor having a radial distributing slot which opens through the side of the rotor and communicates successively at a point radially inwardly from the periphery of the rotor with the fuel outlets during rotation of the rotor, and a fuel supply passage which opens into the distributing slot at a point radially inwardly of the periphery of the rotor, whereby fuel injected into said annular chamber flows into the other of said chambers across the discharge orifice of said distributing slot and assists centrifugal force due to rotation of the rotor to establish a circulation of fuel into said fuel supply passage and out through the distributing slot, which circulating fuel tends to carry away from the valve seat foreign particles introduced with the fuel.

10. A distributor valve comprising a housing having a flat valve seat, and intercommunicating chambers, one of said chambers being annular in shape and disposed around the valve seat and the other of said chambers disposed above said valve seat, a fuel inlet opening into said annular chamber, and a plurality of fuel outlets opening through and extending from said valve seat; a

8 rotatably driven distributor rotor mounted on the valve seat and adapted to seal the last-mentioned ends of the fuel outlets, said rotor having a radial distributing slot which opens through the side of the rotor and communicates successively at a point radially inwardly from the periphery of the rotor with the fuel outlets during rotation of the rotor, and a fuel supply passage which opens into the distributing slot at a point radially inwardly of the periphery of the rotor, whereby fuel injected into said annular chamber flows into the other of said chambers across the discharge orifice of said distributing slot and assists centrifugal force due to rotation of the rotor to establish a circulation of fuel into said fuel supply passage and out through the distributing slot, which circulating fuel tends to carry away from the valve seat foreign particles introduced with the fuel; and spring means coactive with the rotor to press the same solidly against the valve seat.

11. A distributor valve comprising a housing having a flat valve seat, and intercommunicating chambers, one of said chambers being annular in shape and disposed around the valve seat and the other of said chambers disposed above said valve seat, a fuel inlet opening into said annular chamber, and a plurality of fuel outlets opening through and extending from said valve seat; a rotatably driven distributor rotor of carbonaceous material mounted on the valve seat and adapted to seal the last-mentioned ends of the fuel outlets, said rotor having a radial distributing slot which opens through the side of the rotor and communicates successively at a point radially inwardly from the periphery of the rotor with the fuel outlets during rotation of the rotor, and a fuel supply passage which opens into the distributing slot at a point radially inwardly of the periphery of the rotor, whereby fuel injected into said annular chamber flows into the other of said chambers across the discharge orifice of said distributing slot and assists centrifugal force due to rotation of the rotor to establish, a circulation of fuel into said fuel supply passage and out through the distributing slot, which circulating fuel tends to carry away from the valve seat foreign particles introduced with the fuel; and spring means coactive with the rotor to press the same solidly against the valve seat.

12. A distributor valve comprising a housing having a chamber provided with a flat valve seat, a fuel inlet opening into said chamber at one side of the valve seat, and a plurality of fuel outlets extending from the chamber and opening onto said seat; a distributor rotor of carbonaceous material mounted for rotation on the Valve seat, said rotor having a radial distributing slot which opens through the periphery of the rotor and against the valve seat and a fuel supply passage which communicates with said slot, the slot and fuel supply passage communieating successively at a point radially inwardly from the periphery of the rotor with the fuel outlets during rotation of the rotor; a stub shaft mounted axially in the rotor and having radial arms embedded therein and a drive shaft extending through the bottom of the housing and having driving connection with said stub shaft.

13. A distributor valve comprising a housing having a chamber provided with a iiat valve seat, a fuel inlet opening into said chamber at one side of the valve seat, and a plurality of fuel outlets extending from the chamber and opening onto said seat; a distributor rotor of carbonaceous material mounted for rotation on the valve seat, said rotor having a radial distributing slot which opens through the periphery of the rotor and against the valve seat, said slot adapted to communicate successively at a point radially inwardly from the periphery of the rotor with the fuel outlets during rotation of the rotor; a stub shaft mounted axially in the rotor and having radial arms embedded therein and a drive shaft extending through the -bottom of the housing and having driving connection with said stub shaft.

14. In ya distributor valve, a housing having a chamber provided With a ilat valve seat, a fuel inlet opening into said chamber and a plurality of fuel outlets extending from said chamber and opening onto the s-eat; and a rotatably driven distributor rotor of carbonaceous material 10 mounted on the valve seat, said rotor having a radial distributing slot which opens through the periphery of the rotor and against said valve seat and a fuel supply passage which communi- Cates With said slot, the slot and said fuel supply passage positioned to communicate successively with the fuel outlets during rotation of the rotor.

JEREMIAH C. EVANS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the i'lle of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,968,390 Hamilton July 31, 1921 1,649,235 Jones Nov. 15, 1927 

